(a) whether a team of Space Scientists has studied 166 Stars similar to Sun in their study;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any scientists of Indian origin were also associated with the said study team;
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the details of assistance, if any, given to the scientists; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING, MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY):
(a) Yes Sir.
(b) As per a published Scientific Research Study, astronomers from Universities/
Institutions in USA, have studied 166 Stars similar to Sun, within 80 light years of distance
from the Earth. Their study has revealed that at least one in every sun-like star in the
galaxy has Earth-sized planets circling around them.
(c) Not to our knowledge.
(d)&(e) Not applicable.